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HL1Housing Living 101

How to Read a CRSC Payment Chart and Track Your Payments

By Tanika Patel
7 minute read

What a CRSC payment chart shows you

A CRSC payment chart is a table that lists when the Combat-Related Special Compensation program will send you money and how much each payment will be. CRSC is a Department of Defense benefit for military retirees and veterans with service-connected disabilities. The chart breaks down your annual benefit into monthly or lump-sum amounts, shows the payment dates, and explains any deductions or adjustments that affect what you receive.

The chart is not a prediction or an estimate—it is the actual payment schedule the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has set up for your account. If you receive a CRSC payment chart from DFAS, it reflects the benefit amount you have been approved for and the method by which it will reach you.

Key Takeaways

  • A CRSC payment chart shows your approved monthly or annual benefit amount, the exact dates payments will arrive, and any reductions tied to your military retirement or VA disability rating.
  • DFAS sends the chart to you after your CRSC claim is approved, and it serves as your official record of what to expect each payment period.
  • Payment dates depend on your branch of service and the banking method you chose (direct deposit, check, or debit card), and they typically fall on the same day each month.
  • If your chart shows a deduction or offset, it usually means CRSC is being reduced because you also receive military retirement pay or VA compensation, and the law limits how much you can receive from both.
  • You can request a new chart from DFAS if your benefit amount changes, if you move, or if you notice an error in the payment schedule.

How payment dates are organized on the chart

CRSC payments follow a schedule based on your military branch and your banking setup. If you have direct deposit, your payment typically arrives on a specific day of the month—often the 1st, 15th, or last business day, depending on DFAS processing. If you receive a check by mail, add five to seven business days to the date shown on the chart to account for postal delivery.

The chart will list each payment date in a column, sometimes labeled "Payment Date" or "Effective Date." Next to it, you will see the amount you will receive. Some charts show a single annual amount broken into 12 equal monthly payments; others show varying amounts if your benefit changed during the year or if you became may have access to mid-year.

If you enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or have other deductions, the chart may show a separate line for the deduction amount, with the net payment (what you actually receive) listed at the bottom of each row.

Understanding deductions and offsets on your chart

Many CRSC payment charts include a line labeled "Offset," "Reduction," "Deduction," or "SBP Premium." This means your CRSC benefit is being reduced by a specific amount each month. The most common reason is the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) offset or the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) offset rules, which prevent you from receiving the full amount of both military retirement pay and CRSC if you also receive VA disability compensation.

If your chart shows a deduction, read the explanation that came with it—DFAS includes a cover letter or summary that states the reason. Common offsets include:

  • Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums: money withheld to fund your survivor's benefit.
  • Federal income tax withholding: if you requested tax withholding on your CRSC payments.
  • VA disability offset: a reduction applied because you receive both CRSC and VA compensation.
  • Military retirement offset: a reduction if you also receive active-duty or reserve retirement pay.

If you do not understand why a deduction appears on your chart, contact DFAS at 1-800-321-1080 (for retirees) or visit the DFAS website to request a detailed explanation. Do not assume the deduction is an error—most are applied by law—but verify it matches your situation.

Comparing your chart to what you actually receive

Once you start receiving CRSC payments, compare each deposit or check to the amounts shown on your chart. The payment should match the amount listed for that month, minus any taxes or deductions you authorized. If a payment is smaller or larger than expected, or if a payment is missing, note the date and amount and contact DFAS within 30 days.

Common reasons a payment may differ from the chart include a change in your tax withholding, a change in your SBP election, a correction to your benefit amount, or a processing error. DFAS can tell you which one applies and whether the difference will be corrected in the next payment or sent as a separate adjustment.

Keep your payment chart in a safe place—a file folder, a scanned copy on your computer, or a photo on your phone. You will need it to verify payments, to show to a financial advisor, or to provide to a creditor or lender who asks for proof of income.

What to do if your chart changes

Your CRSC payment chart may change if your benefit amount is adjusted, if you move to a different state, if you change your banking method, or if a law changes the way CRSC is calculated. DFAS will send you a new chart before the change takes effect, usually with a cover letter explaining what changed and when.

If you do not receive a new chart after a major life event—such as a promotion in your VA disability rating, a change in your military status, or a move—contact DFAS to request one. Do not assume your old chart is still accurate. A new chart protects you by showing the official payment schedule and giving you a record to compare against actual deposits.

If you believe your chart contains an error—such as a wrong payment date, a wrong amount, or a deduction that should not be there—submit a written request to DFAS with a copy of the chart and an explanation of what is wrong. Include your name, Social Security number, and the date of the chart. DFAS will investigate and send you a corrected chart if an error is found.

How to access or request your CRSC payment chart

If you have already been approved for CRSC, you should have received your payment chart by mail when your benefit began. If you cannot find it, you can request a new copy from DFAS through several methods:

  • Online: Log in to milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil (for active duty, reserve, or retired military) or visit the DFAS website at dfas.mil and use the "Contact Us" option to request a copy by email.
  • By phone: Call DFAS at 1-800-321-1080 for retirees or 1-800-558-5977 for active-duty service members. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.
  • By mail: Write to DFAS with your request, including your full name, Social Security number, branch of service, and the reason you need a new chart. Mail to the address listed on any previous DFAS correspondence.

DFAS typically sends a replacement chart within two to three weeks. If you need it urgently, call instead of writing, as phone requests are processed faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my payment chart show a lower amount than I expected?

The most common reason is an offset or deduction required by law. If you receive both military retirement and CRSC, or both VA disability compensation and CRSC, your CRSC benefit may be reduced. The chart should include an explanation of the deduction. If it does not, contact DFAS to ask why your amount is lower than you anticipated.

Can I change the payment date shown on my chart?

No, the payment date is set by DFAS based on your branch of service and banking method, and it does not change. However, if you switch from check to direct deposit (or vice versa), the payment date may shift slightly. Contact DFAS if you want to change your payment method, and they will send you a new chart reflecting the new date.

What if my payment chart shows a date that has already passed?

If you receive a chart with a date in the past, it is likely a historical chart or a replacement for an old one. The important dates are the ones that fall in the future. If you are unsure whether your chart is current, call DFAS and confirm that the amounts and dates match your most recent payment.

Do I need to report my CRSC payment chart to the IRS or to other government programs?

Your CRSC payments are taxable income, and DFAS will send you a 1099-R form each year showing the total amount you received. You will report this on your tax return. If you receive means-tested benefits (such as Medicaid or SNAP), you may need to report your CRSC income to those programs as well. Check with each program's rules.

What happens if I move and do not update my address with DFAS?

If you receive checks by mail, your payments may be delayed or lost if your address is not current. If you receive direct deposit, your address change does not affect payment, but DFAS may not be able to reach you with important notices. Update your address with DFAS as soon as you move, either online through milconnect or by calling 1-800-321-1080.